Sunday, June 26, 2005

I think I am finally beginning feel a little less out of place as an American living in Egypt.

I went to sign a contract today to work at the school Mira will be attending in September. I will be the office administrator for the American section of the school. While I am enthusiastic about working full-time once again, I am hesitant in signing the contract because it commits me to one year of employment. I've always wanted to work at Mira's school, but I was hoping it would be in the U.S. I originally thought the contract was for 11 months, however, the contract is for 10 months. The contract begins August 15, 2005 through June 15, 2006 with two months of vacation without pay. I was originally told the contract was for 11 months and then they changed it to 10 months. I think this is still ok because I get 5 sick days during the school year and 30% discount for Mira's tuition.

I drove by myself (Mira was with me) to the main school office in Nasr City about 25 minutes from where we live. After meeting with the principal, we drove back to Rehab and went to the mall where we tried to do some shopping but to no avail, most of the stores were closed. I think the stores open later in the day and stay open until late at night because of the heat. I am overcoming my fear of driving in a city where the drivers make five and half lanes out of a three lane road. I am beginning to realize that my incentive to drive is two-fold: I re-gain my independence, and I can spend money.

8 comments:

Anonymous
said...

Marian,I am glad that you will have some structure to your days and that you will be near Mira. I also hope that you keep cool and wear sunscreen! You are in my thoughts and prayers throughout each day. Give my love to Hassan and Mira! Take care!! -- Laura

Hi, I am glad that you are finally getting out and getting your feet wet so to speak with the area.... it will make you feel more like you belong too... I think that you will find that the more you increase your world, the less it will feel like the world is closing in on you and that will also make you feel like you are not alone... whether it be Egypt or America. There is a lot of unfamiliar territory and some of it is hostile here too... so watch out for the desert, PUT ON LOTS OF SUNSCREEN, and have fun. Congrats on the job... xoxoxox Karen

Yes, shopping can be difficult no matter where we live. I met someone from DC (a woman of course) and we discussed clothes for large size women and because of the demographics, we're limited to a lot of "ghetto" clothes at The Avenue.Love, Marian

Karen,Yes, much of the territory here is unfamiliar. I only drive to places I am familiar with and don't stop along any desert road. Of course it's all desert here. Imagine us living in a settlement in the desert. Essentially that's where we live. My new job will be across from "Mubarak Academy" the police academy for candidates; and yes, it's also in the desert, but quickly becoming developed. Love, Marian

About Me

My husband, daughter, and I moved to Egypt five years ago from the US. I like to write about my experiences of being an American living in Egypt, adjusting and re-adjusting to living here over the years.